Banking Sector Urged to Become More Accessible for Visually Impaired Individuals

Kathmandu: Shishir Khanal, President of the Nepal Association of the Blind, has highlighted the urgent need for all banks and financial institutions to adopt policies that are inclusive of visually impaired individuals. 

Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Thursday focused on promoting disability-inclusive banking, he noted that Nepal’s current financial systems remain largely inaccessible to the community.

Khanal shared a common grievance regarding the barriers faced by persons with vision loss when attempting to open bank accounts. He noted that many are still required to provide a court-verified witness, a practice that persists across the country despite being discriminatory. 

While some visually impaired citizens have managed to access services through persistent struggle, he emphasized that the majority still find it difficult to navigate the banking system independently.

"Even when we demonstrate our ability to manage transactions confidently, banks often impose restrictions under the guise of 'protecting our money,'" Khanal stated. He argued that once individuals with visual impairments prove their capability, they should not be denied equal access to services.

Furthermore, Khanal mentioned that despite multiple discussions with Nepal Rastra Bank, practical implementation of inclusive guidelines remains low. He specifically pointed out the difficulty visually impaired persons face when applying for loans. "Even with a stable income and family responsibilities, we are often denied basic credit facilities," he added.

During the event, he called for continuous dialogue with bankers to protect the economic rights of the community. He expressed concern that in many districts, citizens with vision loss are treated as if they are uneducated, which deeply affects their dignity. 

Khanal concluded by stressing that there should be no further delay in making the banking sector fully accessible to end such discriminatory practices.